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Date: 1/15/2026
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins


It was a full house at yesterday's Hot Topics with the esteemed panel also meeting afterwards for HT Overtime.  Look for a full RECAP soon with review, photos, edited video, and calls to action. In the meantime, stay informed by reading this morning's Orlando Sentinel commentary from Bobby Block--executive director of the First Amendment Foundation

Commentary: Support lawmakers reforming Florida’s broken public records law

"For the first time in many years, there is a real glimmer of hope for government transparency in Florida. After watching the state’s once nation-leading public records system buckle under political pressure, special interests, stonewalling and outright abuse, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has finally had enough.
State Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, and state Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, have introduced legislation — SB 770 and HB 437 — in this year’s legislative session that would put real teeth back into the laws protecting every Floridian’s constitutional right to know what their government is doing."
Cont. reading HERE   And as Bob Shaw reminded us yesterday, all of us can contact our representatives to support the bills mentioned above.  Visit flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative and remind them to SPEAK UP for our VOICE!
 
 
Hot Topics snapshots:  Shown above left, Co-Pres. Jane Hursh; panelists Greg Herbert, Bob Shaw, Judith Smelser, Charley Williams; Co-Pres. Rev. Kathy Schmitz;  Shown above right, League royalty--former presidents Michele Levy, Ann Helmuth, Caroline Emmons-Shramm
Show below left, sitting-HT sponsor Cynthia Mackinnon, Peg Cornwall,  Ann Hicks Murrah; standing-VP Lee Rambeau Kemp, Judith Smelser  Shown right: Orlando Sentinel editor Roger Simmons, Central FL Public Media president and general manager Judith Smelser
Photography by Carol Wonsavage
No plans for the weekend? How about something fun and meaningful? Help us honor Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy by marching in the Eatonville Parade this Saturday JAN 17 1:00-4:00 PM   Full details here.
Join League members, schools, marching bands, civic organizations and community leaders in celebration of Dr King's dream and the spirit of the Eatonville community as we march in the 49th annual MLK Parade.
*We'll be wearing League shirts and dark pants. You may park at the Denton Johnson Community Center. (Arrive by 1PM)  
Not up to walking? We've got you covered. We'll shuttle you to the parade start. You can ride and wave from our flatbed trailer. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration of Dr. King's message of unity, equality and hope.  Any questions, contact Virginia Meany

Upcoming Events

Details on Events Calendar
JAN 17, MLK Jr. Parade
1-4PM, Eatonville
March in the parade!
JAN 19, Voter Services Volunteer
JAN 20, Communications Comm. Mtg
5PM via Zoom
Share your skills and join us!
JAN 24, Annual Planning Mtg.
9AM-noon, WP Community Ctr.
All members welcome
 
JAN 27, Membership Comm. Mtg
2PM via Zoom
Help Leaguers get the most out of
their membership
 
 
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Leaguer Life Lately

 
 
How do we decide what our advocacy priorities will be for the year?  We ASK our members after discussing the previous year's accomplishments and goals for the new year.
Add your VOICE to these important conversations.
Our Nominating Committee is in the process of interviewing prospective members of the 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Our board guides our priorities, encourages members in their activism and supports League efforts to defend democracy. If you feel called to serve the League in this capacity, please contact Kay Hudson lwvkay@gmail.com or any member of the Nominating Committee: Sandi Vidal, Gina Hall, Kathy Sheeran and Joan Erwin.
The Immigration Committee invites you to attend a JAN 15 local event hosted by the Center for Common Ground Workers Circle.
One of the 2026 Goals for the Immigration Committee is to educate members on immigration issues, provide accurate information and how to be an effective advocate for impacted communities and individuals. The Workers Circle is a social justice organization providing leadership with immigration actions. This month's topic is "Attacks on Immigrants and Inhumane Acts Committed by ICE"
Details: How to be an Effective Advocate , Thurs-JAN 15, 7-8pm  Also, the Immigration Committee is sharing info about the local JAN 18 prayer vigil at City Hall.
 
Trina Gregory
Keith Givens
Eric Christner
Claire Wiedeman
Mary Greeley
Audrey Dellolio
Eugene Pickler
Carol Pickler
Share this newsletter and encourage your friends and family to JOIN HERE
*Current members, don't forget that you'll be renewing through our national LWVUS site!  Watch your email for reminders!
Carol Gort
 
Brenda Alston
 
LWVOC offers multiple ways to $upport our non-profit with giving preferences such as "planned giving" as well as our "Giving Society".  Explore these and more on our Giving page HERE  Contact Lee Rambeau Kemp. if you have questions.

Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community and we have a range of sponsorship levels available. To further explore how to become a sponsor, please contact LWVOC Vice President and Fund Development Chair Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE

Also, check out our NEW Fund Development Committee page if you'd like to become more involved in our efforts.
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